Understand Japanese property listings before you commit

Kanso interprets confusing real estate terms, surfaces hidden costs and constraints, and helps you make informed decisions—before you spend money on a property you don't fully understand.

Reserve early access

Japanese listings are designed for locals

If you've ever searched for an apartment or house in Japan, you know the frustration. Listings are packed with abbreviations, layout codes, and assumptions that make perfect sense to Japanese readers—but leave foreigners guessing.

  • •Cryptic floor plans: What does 2LDK+S actually mean? Is the "S" a room you can use, or a closet with a window?
  • •Hidden fees: Reikin, shikikin, guarantor fees, key money—the upfront cost can be 4-6x the monthly rent, and it's rarely clear.
  • •Untranslated features: Terms like 角部屋, 追い焚き, or オートロック describe important features, but machine translation often misses the point.
  • •Location nuances: "5 minutes to the station" sounds great—until you realize it's the local line, not the express.

You shouldn't need a real estate agent just to understand what you're looking at.

When you're renting, these misunderstandings are frustrating. When you're buying, they can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

How Kanso works

1

Paste a listing URL or screenshot

Drop in a link from SUUMO, Homes.co.jp, or any major Japanese property portal. You can also upload a screenshot if the listing requires login.

2

Get a structured analysis

Within seconds, Kanso extracts and explains every detail: room layout, building age, total move-in costs, nearby transportation, and features that matter. The analysis flags details that typically require years of local experience to notice.

3

Understand what you're getting

Each analysis includes plain-English explanations, flagged concerns, and context that helps you compare properties with confidence.

What an analysis looks like

Here's a sample breakdown of a real listing type you might encounter.

Example: Rental analysis

Example output from Kanso

Meguro-ku, Tokyo

2LDK+S Mansion

¥185,000/mo

Layout Explained

2LDK+S = 2 bedrooms + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Service room. The "S" is a 4.5 tatami room with no window—usable as an office or storage, but not legally a bedroom.

Total Size

58.3 m² (approx. 628 sq ft). This is measured to the outer walls, so actual interior space is roughly 10% smaller.

Move-in Cost Breakdown

First month rent¥185,000
Shikikin (deposit, 1 month)¥185,000
Reikin (gift money, 1 month)¥185,000
Agent fee (1 month)¥185,000
Guarantor company fee¥92,500
Fire insurance (2 years)¥20,000
Key exchange fee¥22,000
Total move-in cost¥874,500

That's approximately 4.7x the monthly rent—typical for central Tokyo.

Key Features

Corner unit (角部屋)Auto-lock entranceReheating bath (追い焚き)Built 2019South-facingPets negotiable

Things to Note

  • →Station is 8 min walk to Meguro (JR/Namboku/Mita lines), but the express doesn't stop here—add 5 min to Shibuya trips.
  • →"Pets negotiable" usually means small dogs under 5kg with additional deposit. Confirm before applying.
  • →Building is 5 years old—still within the "new construction" premium range. Rent may drop ¥5-10k after renewal.

This context is rarely obvious from the original listing alone.

Example: Buying analysis

Example output from Kanso

Chiba Prefecture

Detached House (築45年)

¥4,800,000
Purchase price¥4,800,000
Estimated renovation cost
Minimal (cosmetic only)¥800,000 – ¥1,500,000
Moderate (kitchen, bath, floors)¥3,000,000 – ¥5,000,000
Extensive (structural, systems)¥7,000,000 – ¥12,000,000
Monthly holding cost (est.)¥25,000 – ¥35,000

Includes property tax, fire insurance, and basic maintenance reserve.

Ownership Constraints

→
Rebuildability: Not allowed. Property does not meet current setback requirements. Repairs permitted; full reconstruction prohibited.
→
Disaster risk: Flood zone (moderate), landslide warning area (low), earthquake liquefaction potential (moderate). Confirm current hazard maps before purchase.

Suitability Assessment

May be suitable for: Buyers seeking a low-cost rural property for personal use who accept limited resale value and are prepared for renovation costs.

Likely not suitable for: Investment buyers, those requiring financing (banks rarely lend on non-rebuildable properties), or buyers expecting future appreciation.

These constraints are permanent and cannot be changed after purchase.

Early access pricing

We're launching with a limited founding member offer.

Founding Member

$59.99

one-time payment

  • Unlimited listing analyses
  • URL and screenshot support
  • Lifetime access to all features
  • Future updates included

A single analysis can help you avoid a mistake that costs tens of thousands.

Reserve founding member access

Limited to 100 founding members

Once filled, this offer closes permanently.

Important notice

Kanso is an informational tool designed to help you understand Japanese property listings. It does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. The analyses provided are for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any property decision. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional, attorney, or financial advisor before entering into any property agreement in Japan. Information may be incomplete or contain errors—verify all details directly with the listing agent or property owner.